As You Like It

As You Like It
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot
The Drilling Company
July 23, 2026 

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

The Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production of As You Like It is a perfect way to spend a summer evening.  This marks the company’s thirty-first year of presenting free summer Shakespeare on the Lower East Side, and they never cease to amaze.  Director Hamilton Clancy has again brought together a phenomenal cast of highly skilled actors who fill the parking lot on the corner of Norfolk and Rivington with joy and enthusiasm. 

Roselind (played by Lia Bonfilio), daughter of the banished Duke (played by Chris Martel), falls in love with Orlando (played by Patrick Hart), after he wins a wrestling match against Charles (played by Raphael Del Rio).  When Rosalind is accused of treason and banished from the court by her uncle (also played by Chris Martel), her cousin Celia (played by Thammie Laine Quach) decides to go with her.  They flee to the Forest of Arden.  Their servant, Touchstone (played by Andy Rowell) reluctantly joins them.  For safety, Rosalind disguises herself as Ganymede, and Celia disguises herself as Aliena.  Their journey through the Forest of Arden brings confusion, challenge, discoveries of love, and awakenings of self-awareness that none of them expect. 

Patrick Hart & Lia Bonfilio
Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Lia Bonfilio and Partick Hart explore the multiple layers in Shakespeare’s words, creating stimulating moments of sincere emotional connection as Roselind and Orlando.  They have a wonderful, natural chemistry that penetrates through any disguise Rosalind chooses to wear. Thammie Laine Quach’s Celia/Aliena brings humor to Rosalind’s tricking of Orlando in the forest, until she meets up with Oliver (played by Emmanuel Elpenord).  Mr. Elpenord is captivating as Oliver.  He and Ms. Quach develop a beguiling connection. 

Thammie Laine Quach & Andy Rowell
Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Rosalind meets Silvio (played by Dan Teachout) and Phoebe (played by Lizabeth Allen) in the forest, and becomes a foil for their love.  Mr. Teachout portrays Silvio as a simple and honest peasant.  Ms. Allen’s Phoebe is cunning, yet easily distracted.  They are charming together.  The scenes they share with Ms. Bonfilio are genuinely riveting. 

Andy Rowell delivers a bold and daring Touchstone.  He is meek in his initial departure from the court,  yet wild and adventurous when seeking love, which he finds with the seductive Audrey (played by Carly Grisson).  David Marantz portrays Jacques as a grounded philosopher, and delivers Shakespeare’s “Seven Ages of Man” with intrigue, humor, and wisdom.  

Emauel Elpenord, Carly Grissom, Adama Joy Sall, & David Marantz
Phtoco courtesy of The Drilling Company

There are also distinctive performances by Chris Martel, Robert Arcaro, Raphael Del Rio, Carly Grisson, and Adama Joy Sall.  Director Hamilton Clancy stepped into the role of Corrine due to an actor’s illness.  He was smooth and confidant, as always.  The original music by Natalie Smith, Andrew Gombas, Adama Joy Small, and David Marantz beautifully transforms the atmosphere of the parking lot into the mystical and magical Forest of Arden.

As You Like It is playing in the parking lot on 145 Stanton Street, between Norfolk and Suffolk on the Lower East Side through August 1.  Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:00 PM.  The Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot productions are always a summer treat.  Don’t miss this one! 

Domenick Danza

Courting Mayhem

Courting Mayhem
Theatre 4the People
IRT Theater
July 18, 2026 

Photo courtesy of Theatre 4the People

Theatre 4the People’s production of Courting Mayhem  is a high energy and emotionally engaging experience.  Playwright Syd Rushing’s rhythmic dialogue is masterfully crafted.  Director Cooper Howell keeps this play moving at a vigorous pace.  The cast portrays boldly driven characters, while building genuine relationships.  The opening scene, a basketball game, immediately engages the audience, while setting high expectations for the story that follows.  It is impeccably timed, phenomenally staged, and skillfully written.  

Trina Hollingsworth (played by Raven Jeanette) and Camille Rutherford (played by LaCrisha Brown) are fierce supporters of their basketball playing sons, Andre (played by Wilson Hernandez) and Jules (played by Chris Cook).  Their husbands, James (played by Omari “Sim” Miller) and Benny (played by Javere Green), are equally dedicated to getting their sons on the road to a sports scholarship and eventually the NBA.  When they meet the recruiter, Big Earl (played by Syd Rushing), he brutally explains the challenges and sacrifices that lie ahead for the families.  The parents unite in their determination to support their sons, until Big Earl breaks the news that only one of them will make it. 

Syd Rushing, Omari "Sim" Miller, Javere Green,
Raven Jeannette, & LaChrisha Brown

Raven Jeannette and LaChrisha Brown drive the action as Trina and Camille.  They are aggressively committed to their sons’ success, even though they are motivated by drastically different reasoning.  When partnered, they are a vivacious duo.  When pitted against one another, they are deadly.  Omari “Sim” Miller and Javere Green are constantly causing distraction as James and Benny.  They continually tug on the success of their sons and distract their wives from the job at hand.  Their efforts become obstacles in their wives’ focus.  Syd Rushing fuels their fires as Big Earl.  This character holds the key to success for the young basketball stars.  Mr. Rushing spreads this knowledge with menacing authority, upsetting the family structures and accepted norms.  Wilson Hernandez and Chris Cook are the heart of the story as Andre and Jules.  While their parents are losing all perspective over the opportunity presented to them, Mr. Hernandez and Mr. Cook keep it real.  The portrayal of their camaraderie keeps the audience aware that there are vulnerable young men involved in the overwhelming mayhem that builds when striving for financial success. 

Wilson Hernandez & Chris Cook
Photo courtesy of Theatre 4the People

In Act II, Andre and Jules compete to win the opportunity Big Earl is offering.  The first basketball scene of this competition is choreographed like a ballet... with a basketball.  It is seamlessly tied into the dialogue from both sets of parents, which heightens the action.  The second basketball competition is virtually still, placing the focus on the angst and desperation of the parents and the inner emotional conflict of the young men.  These scenes are brilliantly staged and beautifully directed.

The Theatre 4the People’s production of Counting Mayhem is playing at IRT Theater (154 Christopher Street) through August 1.  The rhythm of the dialogue, the pace of the action, and the drive of the characters draws the audience in from the first scene and delivers them to a compelling final moment.  It is a visceral experience.  Don’t miss it! 

Domenick Danza